September 30, 2022
North Saanich, British Columbia
To the casual observer, everything seemed quite normal for a Friday evening at the Panorama Recreation Centre. The Port Alberni Bombers' bus lumbered into the parking lot a full two hours before their scheduled game with the Peninsula Panthers. And while Bombers players unloaded their equipment, players from the Peninsula Panthers sauntered into the barn with their equipment bags draped over their shoulders and their hockey sticks in hand. But this was not an ordinary day as Canadians right across the Country took time out to contemplate what had taken place in too many Residential Schools in a number of Provinces in years gone by. There is not one First Nation person who has not been impacted by the atrocities which happened to a relative or a friend.
The two Clubs hit the ice at 7:00 pm for the customary 15-minute warm-up and just as they were about to leave the ice, Green Party MLA for Saanich North and the Islands Adam Olsen arrived at the rink. After saying hello to Panthers GM Pete Zubersky, the two went into the GM's office for some conversation.
"Coreen and I have known Adam for almost 20 years. He is First Nation and has paid his dues over the past number of years. I still remember when he was the Public Relations guy for the ECHL's Victoria Salmon Kings when they first arrived in the City. He was on the Central Saanich Counsel for a number of years before moving into Provincial Politics with the Green Party. We talked about how much the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and what impact all of the atrocities had on First Nation people. I was shocked when he said every single First Nation person living right now has been touched by the Residential School events that unfolded over years and years. The magnitude is mind boggling."
At 7:30 pm, the two Teams came out and lined up on their respective bluelines. Both the Bombers and Panthers have First Nation players and/or staff in their Organizations and during a 15-minute ceremony those individuals were recognized. For the Bombers, Trainer Daley Forbes from Hesquiaht Nation, Equipment Manager Chris McDonald from Simpcw First Nation, Forward Rocky Nordvie from Shishalh Nation and Defenceman Solstice Tennant from Mistawasis Nation. The Panthers have a pair of 20-year-old stoppers between the pipes, identical twins Brady and Mason Kelly. The Kelly's are from Moosomin First Nation on Treaty 6 Territory. As each player or staff was introducted, a large crowd cheered loudly to show their heartfelt appreciation. Adam Olsen was introducted and he spoke for seven minutes about the plight his people have had to go through. And again, his words were met with a thunderous ovation. Nordvie and Goaltender Brady Kelly then went to Centre Ice to take the ceremonial face-off with Olsen. Daley, McDonald, Tennant and Mason Kelly stood in behind.
"I asked Adam what happens tomorrow and the next day and the next day. My hope is that this will remain in the forefront of Canadians' minds. I found a small company called Indigenous Box that was very recently started in the last year by a First Nation's lady on the strength of a $5,000 grant. Five grand is not much, but it's something. To date, they have taken in over one million dollars in revenue and that is exciting. These are the opportunities we have to make. Days like today are so important but I believe it is more important to make a difference the other 364 days in a year. Indigenous Box is a difference-maker."
The puck dropped for real and the Panthers seized control of the game right away and generated a number of brilliant scoring opportunities. But Bombers netminder Felix Plendl was more than up to the task and was doubly as brilliant as the Panthers attacked. Mason Kelly started for the Panthers and although he did not face near as dangerous the shots of his counterpart, he looked as solid as a rock.
There was no scoring through the first frame but Tanner Banks changed all of that 9:03 into the middle stanza. The goal did not hold up for long when Bomber's Chase Pacheco knotted the score at 1-1 only 13 seconds later.
The final stanza was all Panthers and they were rewarded scoring twice to seal the victory. Payton Braun put the Cats ahead at the 3:37 mark and then Banks added an insurance marker at 12:07 to put the final nail in the Bombers coffin. The local squad played it close to the vest for the final seven minutes and were rewarded for their efforts with the all important two points. Kelly picked up the win knocking down all but one of the 27 shots sent his way, while Plendl was good on 36 of 39 Panthers' attempts and was nicked for the loss. The two goaltenders were named as Player of the Game for their respective side.
The win did not come without a cost. The Panthers had acquired Andrew Braun, the 20-year-old Captain of the Saanich Predators just 24 hours earlier and he looked more than just steady and certainly a calming influence in the game for the first 30 minutes. But Braun took a spill on an innocent looking play and came up with a knee injury. It was a short debut for Braun much to the disappointment of the Panthers Organization.
"Their gate was open and I thought that he might have been banged up because of that but after looking at the video a lot of times, it was just an unlucky play," said Zubersky. The open gate played no part. I actually think there was no intent on the play, it just happens sometimes in this game we all love. We will wait for the swelling to go down and then get some imaging done and go from there. I am really disappointed for Andrew. Hopefully this is something that will not linger for a long time and he can get back out there in the battle with our guys once again."
The Panthers play at home next Friday night when they look for their 9th straight win to open the season. And they are hoping that the old saying about a Cat having nine lives will hold up to the test they will see with their arch-rival on Friday. The puck drops at 7:30 pm.
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